Over 5000 athletes in the fray
A total of over 5000 athletes from 412 schools will flock to the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama, Homagama with intention of claiming fame, joy and honour at the 44th Sir John Tarbet Junior Athletics Championship 2013. The competition which is sponsored by Ritzbury, will be held from August 5 to 8.
SLSAA officials with CBL officials at the launch of the 44th Sir John Tarbet Junior Athletics Meet
Defending champions Maris Stella College Negombo will expect to repeat the same performance that brought them glory last year but will not find it easy with stiff competition coming from other leading schools that are famous for its track and field background at junior level. Besides Maris Stella other strong contenders in the boy’s segment will be Royal College Colombo, Lyceum International Schools of Nugegoda and Wattala, Gateway International and St. Joseph’s College Colombo.
The defending champions in the girl’s segment are Maliyadeva Girls’ School and they will also be looking forward to produce a similar display this year as well. Others among top challengers will be last year’s top finishers Ave Maria Convent Negombo and St. Joseph’s Girls School Kegalle who finished at second and third last year.
Susantha Fernando, the secretary of Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA) commenting on the competition structure explained that events will be held for the age categories of Under-12, 13, 14 and 15 in boy’s and girls’ segments. “As per the regulations introduced by the Ministries of Education and Sports, we will not conduct events for the age groups of Under-12 and 13 at competitive level. We have introduced cut off timings or qualifying standards for those age categories in both boys and girls. Those who achieve the standard level will receive a merit certificate and we also have decided to grant a point each to the school for top performers.”
The meet will include a total of 63 events. These consist of a total of 107 rounds which are scheduled for four days with 40 finals scheduled overall.
The schools’ athletic meet that boasts of a long history, is an event many school children look forward to. The meet which attracts the highest number of juniors is the stepping stone for many to pursue their talents at an international level. In order to introduce the international standards to the event, the officials will introduce the electronic timing system at the 44th Sir John Tarbet Junior Athletics Championship 2013. – NA
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